SPRINGFIELD, IL – This week, State Senator Emil Jones III (D-Chicago) met with a group from the Illinois Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) to discuss a wide array of legislative topics, and specifically Senate Bill 1349.

The IAFF and Senator Jones both oppose SB 1349 which places a limitation on accidents that allow firefighters to qualify for workers’ compensation. The firefighters expressed concerns because of the dangerous environment they work in everyday, and because the bill removes the possibility of compensation for some work-related injures. For example, under the measure, firefighters would not be eligible for compensation for respiratory injuries due to airborne carcinogens

—a health concern faced by many firefighters today.

"It’s illogical to remove such important workers’ compensation protections from civil servants who protect us. These brave men and women selflessly go into hazardous sites and risk their safety for our well-being," Jones said. "If these men and women have to worry about what an injury could cost them, they may be less willing to carry out rescue procedures and other necessary services."